title: Magnetic layer-by-layer coated particles for efficient MRI of dendritic cells and mesenchymal stem cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cell detection by MRI requires high doses of contrast agent for generating image contrast. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop improved systems that further increase sensitivity, and which could be used in clinical settings. In this study, we devised layer-by-layer particles and tested their potential for cell labeling.
  
  
  METHODS
  The advantages of layer-by-layer technology were exploited to obtain magnetic particles of controllable size, surface chemistry and magnetic payload.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Flexibility in size and surface charge enabled efficient intracellular delivery of magnetic particles in mesenchymal stem cells and dendritic cells. Owing to the high magnetic payload of the particles, high MRI contrast was generated, even for very low cell numbers. Subcutaneous injection of the particles and subsequent uptake by dendritic cells enabled clear visualization of dendritic cells homing towards nearby lymph nodes in mice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The magnetic particles offer several possibilities as efficient cellular MRI contrast agents for direct in vitro or in vivo cell labeling.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marie-Luce
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: De Temmerman
authors.forename: Stefaan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Soenen
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Symens
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: Roosmarijn E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Vandenbroucke
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Libert
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Demeester
authors.forename: Stefaan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: De Smedt
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Himmelreich
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rejman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D050997:Nanomedicine; D010316:Particle Size; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles
keywords: MRI; cell labeling; dendritic cell; iron oxide nanoparticle; layer-by-layer; mesenchymal stem cell